Humpback and Gray Whales

Whales are more important than most people know. Researchers find that many whales and dolphins have brain structures very similar to ours, especially in the higher cognitive functions such as self-awareness, a sense of compassion, and linguistic expression. Whales evolved these highly specialized functions around 30 million years before humans did.

Scientists have documented the importance of whales in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Whales are found throughout the world's oceans, and their large body sizes and high metabolic rates make them a significant part of the ocean food webs. The relationship of whales to our ocean environment is extremely complex. If the hunting and killing of whales is not stopped, it is likely to have more profound destabilizing effects on the entire food chain, potentially bringing about an entire ecosystem collapse.